A new Gaelic
book was launched and a new portrait of Sorley MacLean was unveiled at a literary
evening in Sabhal Mòr Ostaig last week (10.05.05). There is strong
link between book and portrait, for the book's publisher is Clò Hallaig,
a new press established by Ishbel MacLean, Sorley's daughter. The book, Rìoghachd
nan Eilean, (The Kingdom of the Isles) is based on a TV series of the same
name broadcast by BBC2 in early 2003. Ishbel played a major role in the project
and it was she who did the preparatory work and who also produced the series.

The book itself
was written by Dòmhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart from Back in Lewis.
It covers 1000 years of the history of the Gael from 550 to 1550. It was supported
by The Gaelic Books Council, Stòrlann Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig
and Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig.

Also on show
was the portrait: it was donated to the College by the artist Peter Edwards
from Oswestry, Shropshire. Mr Edwards has painted many portraits of people
such as Sir Bobby Charlton and poets Douglas Dunn and Adrian Hendri. The painting
itself is over 8 feet in height and shows Sorley standing on the shore at
Peinachorrain in Braes, with Glamaig in the background. Mr Edwards personally
presented the College with the painting.

Professor
Norman Gillies thanked Mr Edwards on behalf of the College and Alasdair MacRae
spoke on behalf of The Sorley MacLean Trust. Part of the Trust's remit is
to encourage original work from new writers and it was therefore highly appropriate
that students from the College and children took part. Seumas Greumach and
Kirsteen NicDhòmhnaill sang beautifully and Coinneach Lindsay from
Loch Awe and Màiri NicLeòid from Carabost recited interesting
short stories. The young poet Teàrlach Quinnell read some new poems.
Liam MacIlledhuinn started off and completed the last part of the night with
a recital on the pipes. All those named are students at the College, a great
encouragement for Gaelic singing, music and literature.

It was also
good to see children reading a story they had written themselves. Màiri
and Steaphanaidh Chaimbeul read a very amusing story that won first prize
at last year's Royal National Mod. Their father, Angus Peter Campbell, was
host for the evening.